jau5 so2 bat1 zi1有所不知
Jyutpingjau5 so2 bat1 zi1
Yaleyáuh só bāt jī
Definition
To not know something; there are some things that one is unaware of.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
This phrase functions as a polite or slightly formal way to introduce information that the listener might be unaware of. It carries a subtle tone of revealing a secret or correcting a misconception, rather than simply stating a lack of knowledge. While it appears in spoken Cantonese, it is often used when the speaker wants to sound more measured or authoritative.
Examples
There might be something about this matter you do not know.
Related words
Common phrases
might not be aware of something
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say I do not know, but it is actually used to suggest that the listener is missing information. It is not a direct translation of I do not know, which is better expressed as 唔知.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
